Housewarming and New Home Cards

It’s always exciting when friends or family move into a new home. When they finally move in, it’s an accomplishment that shouldn’t be overlooked. You know there’s been a lot of hard work, whether it’s a treasured first home after saving forever for a deposit, an organisational miracle when two families become one, or a bittersweet and nostalgic downsizing after retirement.

In today’s world, where messages come and go so quickly, slow it down and make it meaningful by sending a housewarming card that offers warm words of congratulations on someone’s new home.

What to write in a new home card

Create a distraction-free moment with the new home card in front of you and a nice pen in hand, and simply write from your heart. It’s hard to go wrong if you simply focus on the joy and accomplishment of moving into a new place.

Here are some examples:

• Congratulations on finding just the right place for your family.
• Your new home is so lovely! Congrats! I can’t wait to see it in person.
• A new home, sweet home! How wonderful!
• How fabulous to see your dreams come true!
• Warmest congratulations on your new home.
• I hope you’re settling in well to your new home.
• May your new home always be filled with joy and laughter.
• Wishing your family all the best as you unpack and make your new house a beautiful family home.
• May your new home fill up with happy memories year after year.
• May your first home together be a place where your families grow in happiness and love.
• Sending blessings your way as you get settled in your new place. May it be a place where you can heal, move forward and make wonderful new memories.

Quotes for congratulations on your new home cards

• “The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.” – Maya Angelou.
• “Home is where the heart is.” – Pliny the Elder.
• “A house is not a home unless it contains food and fire for the mind as well as the body.” – Benjamin Franklin.
• “Home is where one starts from.” – TS Eliot.
• “Home is the nicest word there is.” – Laura Ingalls Wilder
• “The home should be the treasure chest of living.” – Le Corbusier
• “A home without books is a body without soul.” – Marcus Tullius Cicero
• “Home wasn’t built in a day.” – Jane Sherwood Ace
• “Home is heaven for beginners. “ – Charles Henry Parkhurst

Should I give a housewarming gift?

What’s the etiquette around housewarming gifts these days? Surely everyone just buys what they need themselves? What if they throw a party? Is a congratulations on your new home card enough? Do I need to take a gift?

If you’ve been invited to a housewarming party, you need to take a gift. At least bring some treats, a bottle of champagne, or some flowers. Even if the invitation says no gifts, don’t arrive empty-handed.

It doesn’t hurt to give a gift if there's no party, especially if you’re close. However, there’s no obligation. If a friend moves every six months, there’s no need for a gift. An offer to help or a shared pizza at the end of unpacking will be enough. If, on the other hand, it’s their first home, or if they haven’t moved for several years, then it’s a nice gesture to give them a gift.

What should I give?

Every homeowner is unique, so find something you know won’t be a hassle or offensive.

For example, avoid houseplants unless you know that the person loves them because there’s nothing more depressing than a half-dead plant in your new home. Similarly, champagne might be gratefully accepted by some people but not others. Avoid giving art or home decor items because it’s such a personal choice.

Remember that your gift is intended as a blessing for the house, so consider a beautiful and inspiring book, a bunch of beautiful flowers or a lovely candle. A hamper of gourmet foods is also a fabulous choice, as it can help make a sweet shared celebration. Considering the effort involved in moving, a relaxation kit with bath salts and a bottle of wine is also an excellent idea.